Druski Makes History as Youngest BET Awards Host, Lauryn Hill and Teyana Taylor to Receive Iconic Honors
On Sunday, June 28, the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles will host the 2026 BET Awards, and the event’s spotlight will fall on 31‑year‑old comedian and digital creator Drew Desbordes, better known as Druski. Desbordes will be the ceremony’s host, becoming the youngest person ever to emcee the awards; the previous record was held by Kevin Hart in 2011.
Druski’s path to the stage began with a series of viral sketch videos that amassed millions of views and cultivated a devoted online following. He has since headlined sold‑out comedy tours and worked with high‑profile artists such as Drake, Snoop Dogg, and Tom Brady. In a BET interview, he said he grew up watching the awards and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to add his improvisational flair to the show’s legacy.
The 2026 ceremony will celebrate achievements across music, film, television, and sports. Cardi B tops the nomination list with six nods, followed by Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist, each with five. Doechii, Doja Cat, Clipse, Teyana Taylor, Olivia Dean, and Latto each have four nominations. Album of the Year contenders include Cardi B’s Am I the Drama?, Clipse’s Let God Sort Em Out, J. Cole’s The Fall‑Off, Leon Thomas’ Mutt Deluxe: Heel, Mariah the Scientist’s Hearts Sold Separately, Tyler, the Creator’s Don’t Tap the Glass, Bruno Mars’ The Romantic, and Wale’s everything is a lot. Song of the Year nominees feature Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther,” Leon Thomas’ “Mutt,” Doechii’s “Denial Is a River,” and Mariah the Scientist’s “Burning Blue.”
The first wave of performers announced for the event includes Cardi B, Common, Doechii, Don Toliver, French Montana, Jill Scott, Kehlani, Queen Latifah, Rick Ross, Tems, T.I., and The War And Treaty. The ceremony’s announcer will be hip‑hop pioneer MC Lyte, whose voice has long been a staple of the genre.
Lauryn Hill will receive the Living Legend Icon Award, an honor bestowed on artists whose work has maintained cultural relevance across generations. BET described Hill as “the very definition of a living legend,” and the award will be presented by Sprite. Teyana Taylor will be named Icon of the Year, recognizing her multifaceted career as a singer, actress, director, producer, and choreographer, and her accolades include a Golden Globe, two Critics’ Choice Awards, and an Academy Award nomination. Music executive Sylvia Rhone will receive the Ultimate Icon Award for her pioneering leadership; she was the first Black woman to head a Fortune 500‑owned record company and has guided artists such as Missy Elliott, Lil Wayne, and Travis Scott.
The ceremony will also honor creators with the Pulse Award for content series and the Fashion Vanguard Award for cultural impact in fashion, underscoring BET’s commitment to digital media and style innovation.
BET will broadcast the awards live at 8 p.m. EDT. Viewers can anticipate a blend of live performances, award presentations, and Druski’s comedic interludes. The event marks a milestone in the network’s celebration of Black culture and highlights the enduring relevance of its award categories.
The 2026 BET Awards will conclude with the presentation of the Ultimate Icon Award to Sylvia Rhone, followed by closing remarks from Druski. Outcomes and detailed results will be released on BET’s social media channels and the network’s official website.
